WATERSHED

Being one of my favourite bands from 90's and 00's (along with TMV, PT, Symphony X) I've impatiently waited for this album. After the first spin my feelings were quite mixed. It sounded like classical Opeth record and it was not anything they've ever done before this album. So, before writing this review I've listened to Watershed at least 7-8 times and can share my opinion.

What's different from other Opeth records? Focus on complexity. Song are very much diverse, has got lots of tempo and mood changes. To my opinion it does not really work well in Heir Apparent and Hessian Peel where parts of the song seem to be disjointed and do not quite fit together. Much more keyboards. And this is a very positive thing. Per's keyboards sound just great and not overplayed. Two new members of the band (Frederik and Axe) definitely bring in new sound and even more completixy than it used to be with Peter and Martin. Are they better than Peter and Martin? Hard to say... just different and not worse.

The best thing about this album that Mikael decided not to stick with GR sound and move forward. Yes, there are some doubtful moments on the album (like guitar detuning at the end of Burden or a change of the mood in the middle of Hessian Peel or sonic effects more appropriate for TMV, for example), however, this is a step forward - no doubt about this. And it will be even more interesting to hear their next record (hopefully we would not have to wait another three years).

Coil (10/10), Heir Apparent (8/10), The Lotus Eater (10/10), Burden (9/10), Porcelain Heart (9/10), Hessian Peel (9/10), Hex Omega (10/10).

Overall: 4.64

Highly recommended for everyone.

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